Three area student-athletes recognized for 2026 National Football Foundation Honors

Three area student-athletes recognized for 2026 National Football Foundation Honors

LAWRENCE (KSNT) — The Coach Bill Snyder Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation hosted its annual Kansas Football Legends and Scholars Dinner Wednesday evening.

Held at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, the event honors current and past coaches and officials for their contribution to the sports in the state of Kansas, as well as the state’s top student-athletes.

Nemaha Central quarterback Carter Hajek received the Bernie Kish award, recognizing him as Kansas’ top football student-athlete. Hajek was also named to the National Team of Distinction, one of just 82 student-athletes across the country to receive the honor.

“It means a lot because there were a lot of other great honorees and to get the overall award meant a lot to me,” Hajek said. “It’s super cool to see my hard work over the past four years be recognized.”

Hajek is the 2A Player of the Year and a three-time state champion with the Thunder, including the 2025 2A State Championship, all while holding a 3.8 GPA. He’ll continue his playing career at Emporia State.

Jefferson West defensive lineman Osiris Unruh was also recognized as one of the state’s top football student-athletes, maintaining a 4.03 GPA throughout high school.

“I don’t take this award lightly, this is an amazing thing that I’ve been presented with tonight,” Unruh told 27 Sports. “I’ve worked really hard to get it, so it’s just nice to see what all my hard work has amounted to.”

In addition to being a standout defensive lineman, Unruh was also the 4A Heavyweight State Champion in wrestling. He’s committed to Pittsburg State to continue his football career.

Alex Strother, a center for Santa Fe Trail, was also recognized for his efforts on and off the field. His 4.0 GPA makes him the Class of 2026 Salutatorian.

“It’s actually great, not to only be recognized for football but for the effort I put in academically,” Strother said. “It’s nice to see all the other people in the room who also dedicate their time and effort to everything in the community.”

Strother will continue his academic career at Emporia State, where he will start his coaching career as a student assistant.